Another roster move: Bucs sign Rams free agent DT Gary Gibson

Bucs coach Greg Schiano continues his overhaul of the roster, with the Bucs agreeing to terms tonight to a deal with Rams free-agent defensive tackle Gary Gibson.

Gibson, a college player under Schiano at Rutgers, agreed to a two-year contract with Tampa Bay on Thursday, according to his agent. Gibson's deal contains a guarantee of $400,000 to be paid in 2012, his agent confirmed. He joins a growing number of players on the roster with Rutgers or Big East connections, including starting center Jeremy Zuttah.

Gibson, 29, was a backup for St. Louis in 2011, but was a key reserve, recording three sacks as a member of the defensive-line rotation. He started 16 games as a member of the Rams in 2010 and has also played for the Ravens and Panthers.

Born in Plant City but raised in upstate New York, Gibson is the second defensive tackle to sign with the team in recent weeks, following former first-round pick Amobi Okoye.

His role is not entirely clear, but look for Gibson to push for playing time behind the three more prominent members of the defensive line: Gerald McCoy, Brian Price and Okoye. That could leave veteran Roy Miller in a precarious spot when it comes to making the roster, but the move further strengthens what was a weak area of the team in 2011. The lack of depth resulted in the Bucs signing a number of defensive tackles during the season, including Albert Haynesworth and John McCargo -- who have both been released this offseason.

About the blog

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans: Keep up with your team news on Bucs Beat, our blog for all things Bucs. Tampa Bay Times sports writers keep you posted on the latest Bucs news, and you can weigh in with your own thoughts.